How the Ford Shelby Mustang GT500 Works

Although American muscle cars are usually known for flat-out, straight-line speed, the history of the Mustang shows that a car made in Detroit can be successful on the technically challenging road courses in the United States and Europe. The original Shelby Mustangs were very nimble on twisting tracks. The modern GT500 is no different.

An independent MacPherson strut suspension with reverse-L lower control arms anchors the front end, while a three-link solid axle shores up the rear, aided by a track bar to prevent lateral motion. Both front and rear stabilizer bars help minimize body roll. Brembo brakes add to the handling performance, with 14-inch, four-piston discs in front and 11.8-inch, single-piston discs in the rear, linked to the car's ABS system. The 18-inch aluminum wheels hold P255/45ZR and P285/40ZR high-performance tires, and a power-assisted, rack-and-pinion steering system rounds out the handling package.